This 2013 $2 Bill With Radar Serial Number Just Sold for $34,500: When it comes to valuable collectibles, most people think of vintage cars, rare stamps, or baseball cards. But recently, an ordinary-looking $2 bill from 2013 stunned collectors and casual observers alike when it sold for $34,500 at an online auction. Why? It all comes down to something called a radar serial number, along with a few other rare features. Here’s what you need to know to potentially spot one of these hidden gems in your own wallet.
What Is a Radar Serial Number?
A radar serial number is a number that reads the same forward and backward — much like a palindrome. For instance, a radar serial number might look like 12344321, 56666565, or 80000008. These symmetrical numbers are incredibly popular among collectors because of their visual appeal and rarity.
Serial numbers are printed on every U.S. bill, and only a small fraction of bills have this palindromic feature. In this particular case, the $2 bill featured the serial number A10000001A — a perfect example of a radar pattern and an exceptionally low number, making it even more desirable.
Why a 2013 $2 Bill?
You might think that only antique bills from the 1800s would fetch such high prices, but that’s not always the case. The $2 bill in question is relatively recent — from Series 2013 — but its combination of a radar serial number, pristine condition, and low serial number (ending in 00001) made it highly sought after.
While $2 bills are still printed by the U.S. Treasury, they are much less commonly used than $1 or $20 bills. This lower circulation often makes them more interesting to collectors, especially when other rare attributes are involved.
Clues That Your $2 Bill Could Be Worth Thousands
If you’re intrigued by the idea of finding treasure in your cash drawer, here are the top clues that your $2 bill might be worth far more than face value:
1. Radar or Palindromic Serial Numbers
As explained above, any bill with a serial number that reads the same forward and backward is more valuable than average. These are rare and attractive to collectors who value symmetry and pattern.
2. Low Serial Numbers
Serial numbers beginning with 00000001 through 00000009 are especially prized. In general, the lower the number, the more valuable the bill. A serial number like A00000001A is considered a “first print” and is incredibly rare.
3. Star Notes
If you see a star (*) at the end of the serial number, you might have a star note. These are replacement notes printed when there is an error in the original run. Because they’re printed in smaller batches, star notes can be rare and valuable — especially when combined with other unique features.
4. Crisp Uncirculated Condition (CU)
Bills that are in pristine condition with no creases, folds, or marks fetch significantly higher prices. Collectors use terms like “Crisp Uncirculated” (CU), “About Uncirculated” (AU), or “Very Fine” (VF) to describe bill condition.
5. Unique Patterns
Beyond radar numbers, there are other types of desirable serial number patterns, such as:
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Repeater (e.g., 12121212)
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Ladder (e.g., 12345678 or 87654321)
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Solid (e.g., 88888888)
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Binary (e.g., 01010101)
Any bill featuring one of these can attract big money.
6. Unusual Series Year
Though this example came from the 2013 series, some collectors look for bills from years with lower print volumes or unique historical significance. Pairing a rare serial number with a scarce year can drive prices higher.
The Growing Market for Currency Collectibles
The sale of this $2 bill for $34,500 is a testament to the growing interest in currency collecting. With the rise of online marketplaces and auctions, more people are learning about the hidden value in everyday items.
Sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections have seen a steady increase in the number of rare currency listings — and the winning bids that go with them. It’s never been easier to research or sell a rare note if you think you’ve found one.
Final Thought
Finding a valuable $2 bill isn’t just a matter of luck — it’s about knowing what to look for. This recent $34,500 sale proves that even a relatively modern bill can become a collector’s dream under the right conditions. So next time you get a $2 bill in change or stumble upon one in your drawer, take a closer look at the serial number. You might just be holding a small fortune.
FAQs
Q: Are all $2 bills worth more than face value?
A: No, most $2 bills are only worth their face value unless they have unique features like rare serial numbers, star notes, or are in mint condition.
Q: How do I check if my $2 bill has a radar serial number?
A: Look at the 8-digit number printed on the front. If it reads the same forwards and backwards (e.g., 12344321), it’s a radar serial number.
Q: Where can I sell a rare $2 bill?
A: Reputable online auction sites like Heritage Auctions, eBay (with proper research), or local coin and currency dealers are good places to start.
Q: Can older $2 bills be worth more even without radar serial numbers?
A: Yes, especially those from the 1800s or early 1900s, or bills with historical significance, errors, or limited print runs.